Housekeeper Julieta is crowned truly outstanding Estates and Facilities colleague
A hospital cleaner described as popular, professional and always first to support received a special gold award today in recognition of her amazing work.
Julieta Sarno became the first person to receive a new annual award from Solent NHS Estates and Facilities for being a truly outstanding member of staff.
The award has been introduced as part of National Healthcare Estates and Facilities Day; a new initiative aimed at raising the profile of NHS roles that are crucial but very much behind the scenes.
Julieta, a housekeeper based at the Western Community Hospital in Southampton, was nominated by both her supervisor and head of department for always being first to volunteer and consistently going above and beyond.
Hazel Read, FM Support Services (Soft), Audit and Compliance Manager, said: “Julieta is always the first to support if needed, even at short notice, and will cover staff on any site without hesitation.
“Her standard of cleaning is exceptionally high and thorough, and she is supportive of other team members, often staying on to help deep clean the wards when needed.
“Julieta is always happy and smiling, kind and friendly to everyone. She is always on time, never poorly and always looks smart and professional at work. She is very popular with everyone – and doesn’t realise just how lovely she is.”
Julieta has worked for Solent NHS Trust since March 2021 all through the second year of the covid pandemic, playing an important role at both the Western Community Hospital and the Royal South Hants, covering many shifts while staff were off with sickness.
Typically, her mornings are spent washing patient clothing in the hospital laundry before cleaning wards in the afternoon to ensure all facilities are tip-top for the evening.
In recent months, she has helped out cleaning a council-run day centre on top of her day job.
Today she was presented with a framed certificate, gift voucher and flowers by Mark Young, Associate Director of Estates Transformation, and Chris Box, Associate Director of Estates and Facilities.
An emotional Julieta said: “I just do my job. I love my work; it is like family to me. I do my best to make things perfect to keep everyone safe.”
Every member of Solent E&F, more than 300 people, was receiving a cupcake today as a thank you for everything they do behind the scenes to keep our hospitals and healthcare buildings running smoothly.
Specially designed badges to mark the inaugural national day will follow soon – and Julieta will be the only one with a unique gold version, a one-off in honour of her amazingness.
